Gekkeikan or Hakutsuru are reliable everyday sakes, sold in most UK supermarkets and fine for both cooking and drinking. Sake is a Japanese rice wine, used in cooking for its rounding, slightly sweet flavour, distinct from the sweeter mirin.
What to check on the label
Sake vs mirin vs Shaoxing wine
| Type | Sweetness | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sake | Dry to lightly sweet | Rounding out sauces and marinades |
| Mirin | Sweet | Glazes and teriyaki-style sauces |
| Shaoxing wine | Savoury, nutty | Chinese stir-fries and braises |
FAQ
Can I use drinking sake for cooking?
Yes, a decent drinking sake works well in cooking, and there is no need to buy a separate cooking-labelled bottle.
Is sake the same as rice vinegar?
No, sake is a rice wine with alcohol, while rice vinegar is fermented further into an acid. They are not interchangeable.
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- Sake. A rounding, slightly sweet rice wine for cooking.
